Sky in advanced talks to televise inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour in New Zealand in 2027

Sky is close to securing live broadcast rights for the first women’s British & Irish Lions tour, which is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in 2027.

Sky, which has held live rights for the men’s Lions since the 1997 tour of South Africa, is understood to be in advanced discussions to add the women’s series to its portfolio. The inaugural women’s Lions will play three Tests against the Black Ferns and two tour matches next September. The discussions over Sky’s interest come amid frustration from Rugby Football Union officials after the BBC limited its coverage of the Red Roses’ three home Tests this month to its red button and online channels; the Red Roses, who have been regulars on BBC Two in recent years, faced reduced exposure while the main channel screened the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia as the world champions beat Australia 48-15 at Sale Sharks’ CorpAcq Stadium.

Broadcaster activity around union has shifted in recent years: Sky’s investment in rugby union has declined and it no longer shows regular internationals or club fixtures, but the company maintains a long association with the Lions.

Sources say separate talks are under way about extending Sky’s contract for the men’s Lions to include the 2029 series, which is also due to be played in New Zealand.

The women’s British & Irish Lions were established in 2024 following a three-year feasibility study; France was considered as a venue but New Zealand was confirmed in 2024 as the destination for the first tour.

The Lions appointed former England captain Jo Yapp as their first women’s head coach, choosing her ahead of the Red Roses’ coach John Mitchell. Yapp has begun work for the Lions on a part-time basis alongside her role as head of the Rugby Football Union’s women’s pathway and is scheduled to move to a full-time role with the tourists at the start of next year.

If the negotiations conclude in Sky’s favour, the deal would see Sky broadcast all five fixtures next September; Sky was contacted for comment.